[Magdalen] Conscience's clause

[Jim Guthrie]

From: Zephonites--- via Magdalen

>I heard when I was in Long Island that the Bishop there now requires his
>clergy to perform gay marriages

>Does that mean you don't have a conscience clause then in the USA

No need for a "Conscience Clause" as any Priest/Rector can decline to perform 
the rite for anyone at any time and for any reason.

What the Bishop of Long Island did was require all clergy living is same-sex 
partnerships get married after the state legislature approved marriage equality, 
the governor signed it, and it became law.

I believe he allowed an exception or two for good cause, but in general, he did 
not want clergy to be "living in sin" as they say.

His predecessor came up with a rite for use in the diocese some time before the 
state acted, requiring that if same-sex weddings were done in a parish, they use 
the approved rite. I was on the committee that reviewed the rite and implemented 
it.

Cheers,
Jim Guthrie